'Acting or directing'?: What's Rishab Shetty's plan for 2026? 'Kantara' actor promises a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

After the huge success of ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1,’ Rishab Shetty has firmly established himself as one of the most important creators in Indian cinema. He has earned a reputation as a rare talent who can excel in all three roles simultaneously: actor, director, and writer.

The worldwide gross of over Rs 850 crore made 'Kantara' not just a blockbuster film but a cultural icon.

Rishab Shetty's approach to taking a story told with the scent of the earth not only on a pan-Indian but also on a global scale has established him as a key creator of today's generation.

Rishab Shetty prioritizes acting in 2026

After this huge success, Rishab Shetty shared interesting information about the next phase of his journey in an interaction with Filmibeat.

In the coming period, he has decided to put aside his directorial career for a while and work fully as an actor. "Next year I won't be behind the camera. I'll focus more on acting," he said. He has confirmed that he will play a lead role in the pan-India film ‘Jai Hanuman,’ directed by Prashanth Varma.

This announcement has created new expectations among his fans.

'Kantara' actor makes a big promise for 2026

At the same time, creator Rishab Shetty has also made it clear that he is not going to rest.

“I will start writing new stories next year. Preparatory work for that will also begin," he said, adding that he has a unique plan in mind for his fans. His words, “I will make a big announcement about it in 2026. It will be something that fans will remember,” which has further increased the curiosity about what he will do next.

A new phase ahead for Rishab Shetty

Thus, Rishab Shetty's film journey enters a new phase. On the one hand, acting in pan-India films as a strong actor, and on the other hand, creating new worlds centered on his cultural roots, will take place simultaneously. His cinematic vision, which balances business and artistry, will undoubtedly create another big breakthrough in 2026. Meanwhile, what "special" thing he has planned for his fans in 2026 has now become the question that is attracting everyone's attention.